Fish Chassahowitzka

The Chassahowitzka River is a unique Florida waterway, located in a tranquil little Gulf coast village, and only a short drive from Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Ocala or Gainesville (see Map of Florida). It is still one of the few undisturbed locations in the state that has not been affected by the pressures and problems that accompany over-development. The main reason the spring-fed Chassahowitzka River remains unspoiled is the fact that it lays right in the middle of the 31,000 acre, Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.

The refuge consists of saltwater bays, estuaries, and brackish marshes that make it the ideal place to catch Redfish, Trout, Black Drum and Sheepshead. Fishing the World Famous unspoiled backcountry waters of the Chassahowitzka is available year-round. In the wintertime when the weather is cold and the tides are low, the Redfish stack up like cordwood in any deep water honey holes.

The refuge provides a winter home for various types of migrating waterfowl, such as the endangered legacy, Whopping Cranes. It is also home to countless numbers of coastal birds such as the bald eagles, great blue herons, green back herons, ospreys, and the beautiful white pelican. It is not uncommon to see river otters foraging during the morning hours and occasionally a whitetail deer or two back in the oak and red cedar hammocks that line the river's banks. The well-established estuary also provides a home to other marine life such as sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins and the gentle manatee.

Get hooked on Chassahowitzka, one of Florida's last best kept secrets and experience world class light tackle uncrowded backcountry and flats fishing at it's best! Enjoy an action-packed day of sight fishing for Redfish on Florida's Nature Coast!!!